NBPTS Exceptional Needs Specialist Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Resource

Positive punishment refers to the introduction of a stimulus following an undesired behavior with the intention of discouraging that behavior in the future. In this context, assigning extra homework due to misbehavior exemplifies positive punishment: the homework acts as an additional task that the student must complete as a consequence for their actions. This added demand serves to modify the student's behavior by making them more aware of the consequences of their actions, ideally leading to improved behavior in the future.

In contrast to positive punishment, other options focus on reinforcement or the removal of privileges, which do not serve the same purpose in behavior modification. For instance, verbal praise reinforces good behavior rather than punishing any misbehavior. Removal of recess does involve a consequence but is more aligned with negative punishment, as it removes a privilege rather than adding a stimulus. Similarly, a reduction in exam frequency is not associated with punishing behavior but rather is a change aimed at accommodation or reducing stress for students. Thus, extra homework assigned due to misbehavior aligns specifically with the definition of positive punishment.